In Short – Uttar Pradesh has begun generating 528 MW of solar power, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to expand its renewable energy capacity. This development is part of Uttar Pradesh’s broader strategy to increase reliance on clean energy sources, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to India’s overall renewable energy goals.
In Detail – Uttar Pradesh is making significant strides in renewable energy with the setting up of nine solar parks with a capacity of 3,840 megawatt (mw) with 528 mw of power already in production.
These solar parks are primarily located in the arid Bundelkhand region of the state.
Notably, UP ranks 5th in the country for large-scale solar energy production after Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The state ranks 2nd nationally in biomass energy production.
In addition to solar parks, the Yogi Adityanath government prioritises rooftop solar installations, develops solar towns and expands solar power for agricultural farms, pump storage and bio-energy production.
Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, solar plants are being installed on the rooftops of 2.5 million homes, providing 300 units of free electricity per household.
UP aims to generate 22,000 mw of solar energy, including 6,000 mw from rooftop installations on private and government buildings and 14,000 mw from solar utility projects and solar parks.
Currently, 3,871 mw of grid-connected renewable capacity has been installed, with an additional 2,594 mw from ground-mounted projects for captive use, third-party sales, and open sales to DISCOM and UPPCL.
Rooftop solar systems with a capacity of 375 mw have also been installed in homes across the state.
Under the PM KUSUM Yojana, 16.17 mw of grid-connected tube-wells are running on solar energy. Farmers’ private on-grid pumps and dedicated agri power feeders are being solarised.
In 61 districts across UP, solar energy powers drinking water pumping stations with a total capacity of 886 mw.
Over the past year, 528 mw of ground-mounted utility-scale solar projects have commenced, with plans underway to establish an additional 6,800 mw.
Under the Government of India’s scheme for developing solar parks and ultra mega solar power projects, 39,250 mw of capacity has been approved. So far, solar projects of 11,591 mw capacity have been established in the country in 22 solar parks.
